US20130082931A1 - Keyboard input device and the manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Keyboard input device and the manufacturing method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130082931A1
US20130082931A1 US13/626,949 US201213626949A US2013082931A1 US 20130082931 A1 US20130082931 A1 US 20130082931A1 US 201213626949 A US201213626949 A US 201213626949A US 2013082931 A1 US2013082931 A1 US 2013082931A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
key
keyboard
input device
position information
trigger action
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/626,949
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English (en)
Inventor
Bo Tang
Chuanju CAO
Hongwei YE
Houzhi LUO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co LLC
Original Assignee
GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co LLC filed Critical GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co LLC
Assigned to GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD reassignment GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CAO, CHUANJUN, LUO, HOUZHI, TANG, BO, YE, Hongwei
Assigned to GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC reassignment GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD
Publication of US20130082931A1 publication Critical patent/US20130082931A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0227—Cooperation and interconnection of the input arrangement with other functional units of a computer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/048—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/04809—Textured surface identifying touch areas, e.g. overlay structure for a virtual keyboard
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a keyboard input device and a manufacturing method thereof, in particular to a customizable keyboard input device and a manufacturing method thereof.
  • keyboard input devices are well known, these keyboard input devices are used in systems such as computers, handheld devices and industrial instruments. Keyboard input devices for these systems are typically designed as mechanical keyboard input devices.
  • keyboard layouts are generally fixed, that is, after the product leaves the product line, it is difficult for users to customize the layout of mechanical or touchscreen keys as needed. This lack of customization is disadvantageous for some devices, especially in medical instruments, wherein potential users, including physicians, may encounter a variety of patients, such as pregnant women, infants, and the elderly. Additionally, the same instrument may have many different functions, creating a need for a customizable layout of keys.
  • a conventional mechanical keyboard input device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,527. It has projecting mechanical keys and flat keys. Such a keyboard input device is simple in shape and function, but complex in structure and hardware. The layout of the keyboard cannot be changed, unless lower PCBs (print circuit boards), keys, and top covers are replaced. This makes it difficult to realize customization of the product.
  • a touchscreen type keyboard input device is disclosed in US Patent No. 2011/0090151, which has a variety of embedded touchscreen keyboard interfaces.
  • the customizable keyboard input device realized by a touchscreen provides unnecessary display functions, causing expensive costs.
  • a touchscreen keyboard input device is highly sensitive and has the problem of easily causing disoperation.
  • touchscreens are easily polluted, scratched and difficult to clean, so that it is not suitable for some conditions, especially in the applications of medical instruments.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a customizable keyboard input device and a manufacturing method thereof.
  • a keyboard input device comprises a keyboard assembly having at least one key, a sensing device configured to sense a position of a key producing a trigger action and to create a respective output signal, and a controller configured to receive the output signal from the sensing device and determine the key producing the trigger action.
  • a method for manufacturing a customizable keyboard input device comprises providing a keyboard assembly having at least one key; providing a sensing device which is configured to sense the position of a key producing a trigger action and to create a respective output signal; and providing a controller which is configured to receive the output signal from the sensing device and to determine the key producing said trigger action.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a keyboard input device of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a key layout of an exemplary keyboard assembly of the keyboard input device illustrated in FIG. 1 according to this invention
  • FIG. 3 is an illustrative and non-restrictive flowchart of using a keyboard input device according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an application of a keyboard input system according to this inventive technology.
  • a keyboard input device 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 , which includes a keyboard assembly 2 , is provided.
  • the keyboard assembly may be a conventional mechanical key structure.
  • the keyboard assembly may include, but is not limited to, a keyboard top cover 21 , which includes an opening for each of the keys, in order for the key to pass therethrough. Amounts, sizes and positions of the openings correspond to the key layout, and can be set arbitrarily as needed.
  • the keyboard top cover 21 can be made of a variety of suitable materials, in order to have a certain mechanical strength, and provide a variety of desired properties such as corrosion resistance, antibacterial property, etc.
  • the keyboard assembly 2 can also include a keyboard 22 , which has at least one key. Amounts, sizes and positions of the keys correspond to the layout of the openings in the keyboard top cover 21 , and can be set arbitrarily as needed.
  • the keyboard 22 may be transparent, translucent or opaque, and any of its surfaces may include any labels such as characters or patterns.
  • the keyboard 22 may be made of, for example, rubber or plastic, and used with illumination equipment, and provide a variety of required properties such as corrosion resistance, antibacterial property, etc.
  • the keyboard assembly 2 may also include a corresponding support 23 , in order to provide support for the keyboard 22 made of soft materials such as rubber.
  • the support 23 is notched with holes corresponding to each of the keys, in order to allow at least part of each key to pass therethrough after being actuated.
  • Two or more of the keyboard top cover 21 , the keyboard 22 and the support 23 of the keyboard assembly 2 can also form a one-piece structure.
  • the keyboard assembly 2 of this invention can also be any mechanical keyboard equipment known in the art.
  • the input device 1 may also include a sensing device 3 .
  • the sensing device 3 is used for sensing a trigger action of a key, and creates a corresponding output signal. At least part of the area of the sensing device 3 is arranged behind a key area in the keyboard assembly 2 , such that the key can contact with the area upon the trigger action.
  • the size of the sensing device 3 is no less than the size of the key area in the keyboard assembly 2 , such that the trigger actions of all keys in a variety of customized keyboard layout can be sensed.
  • the sensing device 3 may be a sensing film 31 , such as a resistance or capacitance type pressure film, or any other sensing device known in the art.
  • a sensing film 31 such as a resistance or capacitance type pressure film, or any other sensing device known in the art.
  • the keyboard assembly only needs to be designed such that the key can be pressed on the resistance type pressure film when the key is triggered or pressed.
  • the resistance type pressure film can thus generate an output signal indicating the position being pressed.
  • the key can be designed as grounded so that the capacitance type pressure film can sense the contact position when the key contacts with the capacitance type pressure film.
  • the output signal produced by the sensing device 3 may be a signal which can include any information uniquely indicating the key producing a trigger action, such as a signal which includes position information of the key, or a signal which includes one or more coordinates of the key.
  • the input device may also include a controller 5 .
  • the controller 5 is used for receiving output signals from the sensing device 3 , and determining which key produces the trigger action.
  • the controller 5 can be designed to be accommodated in the keyboard assembly 2 or other position, e.g. in the console 4 .
  • the controller 5 can be provided with any information which is uniquely matched with information included by a signal from the sensing device 3 characterizing a key producing a trigger action.
  • the information is may be, for example, a key map corresponding to a key layout of the keyboard assembly 2 , which key map includes position information about each key, such as information about one or more coordinates of each key.
  • corresponding matched information e.g., key maps matched with different key layouts
  • can be provided to the controller 5 for example, using a matched key map according to different keyboard layout, so as to make it possible to customize the key layouts.
  • the key map of the key can be stored in virtual memory.
  • the controller 5 can then access the key map by retrieving it from the virtual memory.
  • FIG. 2 shows an exemplary keyboard layout, including several different areas, each area having keys with different amounts, sizes and distributions, in order to realize different functions. It can be understood that each key shown in FIG. 2 can be represented by a two dimensional coordinates X and Y. The function of each key can be determined by the key map. Thus, the keyboard layout can be easily customized.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of using the keyboard input device of the present application in different conditions.
  • different key layouts can be chosen per different needs, such as general keyboard layouts, specific keyboard layouts, keyboard layouts for pregnant women, keyboard layouts for infants, etc., so that these keyboard layouts described above can be used in different equipment, and can also be used in the same equipment but oriented for different users, so as to maximize convenience for users.
  • a corresponding key map is chosen or corresponding amendments are made to the key map.
  • the key input device is used to control a device.
  • a different keyboard assembly 2 can be used to realize a different keyboard layout.
  • corresponding amendments should be made to the key map so that the key map can match the replaced keyboard assembly 2 .
  • a switch means (not shown) can be provided.
  • the controller 5 can determine the keyboard layout by detecting the states of the switch means, and thereby a corresponding key map is used.
  • a keyboard assembly for use with pregnant women and a keyboard assembly for use with infants The switch means will occupy a first state or a first position upon the installment of the keyboard assembly for pregnant women.
  • the controller 5 will use a key map corresponding to the keyboard layout for pregnant women by detecting the state of the switch means.
  • the switch means will occupy a second state or a second position upon the installment of the keyboard assembly for infants.
  • the controller 5 will use a key map corresponding to the keyboard layout for an infant by detecting the state of the switch means.
  • the controller 5 can automatically be adapted to a different keyboard layout.
  • the keyboard input device can flexibly use more than two keyboard layouts or keyboard assemblies.
  • different keyboard layouts can be flexibly used by replacing the keyboard assembly.
  • the switch means can be an on-off switch means.
  • a first configuration of the keyboard assembly is configured to not press the switch means upon installation, and a second configuration of the keyboard assembly is configured to press the switch means upon installation.
  • the keyboard assembly 2 in the input device 1 can also be designed to be detachable, in order for users to replace the keyboard assembly 2 freely, so as to realize free customization of the key layout.
  • Embodiments of this invention described above enable users to very conveniently and freely customize the keyboard layout as needed, and users can quickly develop a variety of derivative products based on the embodiments, so as to significantly reduce developing costs and shorten developing periods.
  • a manufacturing method of the keyboard input device 1 comprises providing a keyboard assembly 2 as described previously, a sensing device 3 as described previously, and a controller 5 as described previously.
  • a keyboard input method comprises providing a customizable key layout, and setting a key map corresponding to the key layout, which key map indicates position information of each key.
  • the position information may be coordinate information corresponding to each key.
  • the coordinate information can represent one or more coordinates of each key position or coordinate(s) within proximity of the position.
  • the key map can be established in the following way: setting a coordinate system XOY, under which coordinate system, coordinate information corresponding to each key is acquired, wherein the coordinate information may be, for example, coordinate of the center of each key, or for example, one or more coordinates of the border of each key.
  • the key map comprising coordinates information can be stored in the controller 5 .
  • One skilled in the art can understand that various coordinate formats can be used as desired.
  • a trigger action is created, which is sensed, and an output signal is created which comprises position information of the pressed key producing the trigger action; the output signal as described above is input into the controller 5 , which ascertains position information directly or after treatment from the output signal, and compares the position information with a key map, so as to determine which key produces the trigger action.
  • the controller 5 or equipment connected thereto can create further actions according to instructions corresponding to the pressed key.
  • the controller 5 can read the state of the switch means so that the corresponding key map is chosen.
  • the position information above may also be any mapping information which can uniquely determine each key.
  • keyboard input device can provide a personalized keyboard input device for the users.
  • the output signal can be a signal comprising position information of the key producing the trigger action.
  • the controller may compare the position information with a key map corresponding to a key layout of the keyboard assembly, thereby determining the key producing the trigger action.
  • the sensing device can be a sensing film.
  • the layout of the keyboard assembly can be customized.
  • the keyboard assembly can be detachable.
  • the keyboard assembly can include a keyboard top cover and a keyboard.
  • the keyboard assembly can also include a support.
  • the position information can comprise one dimensional position information of the key or two dimensional position information of the key.
  • a keyboard input method comprises providing a key map corresponding to a key layout of a keyboard assembly, which key map stores information about a second position of each of keys, sensing a trigger action of a pressed key, and creating an output signal including information of a first position of the pressed key which produces the trigger action.
  • the method further comprises comparing the second position information with the first position information, and determining which key produces the trigger action.
US13/626,949 2011-09-30 2012-09-26 Keyboard input device and the manufacturing method thereof Abandoned US20130082931A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201110310335XA CN103034337A (zh) 2011-09-30 2011-09-30 键盘输入装置及其制造方法
CN201110310335.X 2011-09-30

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CN (1) CN103034337A (zh)
DE (1) DE102012109169A1 (zh)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210113097A1 (en) * 2018-04-03 2021-04-22 Nec Corporation Heart failure degree-of-exacerbation determination system and heart failure degree-of-exacerbation determination method

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114326361B (zh) * 2021-12-22 2024-03-08 歌尔科技有限公司 智能腕表

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US20020080122A1 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-06-27 Nokia Corporation Double-sided keyboard for use in an electronic device
US20050259386A1 (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Hsien-Rong Liang Multipurpose extractable keyboard module cartridge
US20090289958A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Display mode switching device and method for mobile terminal
US20110074688A1 (en) * 2004-05-07 2011-03-31 Hull Eric J Multi-position, multi-level user interface system
US20110248946A1 (en) * 2010-04-08 2011-10-13 Avaya Inc Multi-mode prosthetic device to facilitate multi-state touch screen detection
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JPH08123595A (ja) 1994-10-20 1996-05-17 Olympus Optical Co Ltd 医療用キーボード装置
CN100447718C (zh) * 2005-12-23 2008-12-31 联想(北京)有限公司 一种数字设备的输入键盘
CN101266520B (zh) * 2008-04-18 2013-03-27 上海触乐信息科技有限公司 一种可实现灵活键盘布局的系统
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US6037882A (en) * 1997-09-30 2000-03-14 Levy; David H. Method and apparatus for inputting data to an electronic system
US20020080122A1 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-06-27 Nokia Corporation Double-sided keyboard for use in an electronic device
US20110074688A1 (en) * 2004-05-07 2011-03-31 Hull Eric J Multi-position, multi-level user interface system
US20050259386A1 (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Hsien-Rong Liang Multipurpose extractable keyboard module cartridge
US20090289958A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Display mode switching device and method for mobile terminal
US20110248946A1 (en) * 2010-04-08 2011-10-13 Avaya Inc Multi-mode prosthetic device to facilitate multi-state touch screen detection
US20130041243A1 (en) * 2011-08-12 2013-02-14 Charles Bryan Byrd User interface devices for electrophysiology lab diagnostic and therapeutic equipment

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US20210113097A1 (en) * 2018-04-03 2021-04-22 Nec Corporation Heart failure degree-of-exacerbation determination system and heart failure degree-of-exacerbation determination method

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Owner name: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC,

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD;REEL/FRAME:029933/0151

Effective date: 20120827

Owner name: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD, CHINA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TANG, BO;CAO, CHUANJUN;YE, HONGWEI;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:029933/0127

Effective date: 20120821

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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